California Vehicle Code VC 23594 – Impoundment of Vehicles

223594. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the interest of any registered owner of a motor vehicle that has been used in the commission of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 for which the owner was convicted, is subject to impoundment as provided in this section. Upon conviction, the court may order the vehicle impounded at the registered owner’s expense for not less than one nor more than 30 days.

If the offense occurred within five years of a prior offense which resulted in conviction of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153, the prior conviction shall also be charged in the accusatory pleading and if admitted or found to be true by the jury upon a jury trial or by the court upon a court trial, the court shall, except in an unusual case where the interests of justice would best be served by not ordering impoundment, order the vehicle impounded at the registered owner’s expense for not less than one nor more than 30 days.

If the offense occurred within five years of two or more prior offenses which resulted in convictions of violations of Section 23152 or 23153, the prior convictions shall also be charged in the accusatory pleading and if admitted or found to be true by the jury upon a jury trial or by the court upon a court trial, the court shall, except in an unusual case where the interests of justice would best be served by not ordering impoundment, order the vehicle impounded at the registered owner’s expense for not less than one nor more than 90 days.

For the purposes of this section, the court may consider in the interests of justice factors such as whether impoundment of the vehicle would result in a loss of employment of the offender or the offender’s family, impair the ability of the offender or the offender’s family to attend school or obtain medical care, result in the loss of the vehicle because of inability to pay impoundment fees, or unfairly infringe upon community property rights or any other facts the court finds relevant. When no impoundment is ordered in an unusual case pursuant to this section, the court shall specify on the record and shall enter in the minutes the circumstances indicating that the interests of justice would best be served by that disposition.

(b) No vehicle which may be lawfully driven on the highway with a class C or class M driver’s license, as specified in Section 12804.9, is subject to impoundment under this section if there is a community property interest in the vehicle owned by a person other than the defendant and the vehicle is the sole vehicle available to the defendant’s immediate family which may be operated on the highway with a class C or class M driver’s license.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon

Felony convictions where a term in state prison is imposed require professional attention by a lawyer skilled in expungements.

There are two ways that someone sentenced to state prison can obtain relief:

1. the Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon, and
2. the Direct Application for Pardon.

A full pardon, whether direct or through rehabilitation proceedings, restores all of the rights and privileges of which the person was deprived by reason of the conviction, with some exceptions. In addition, a pardon relieves a sex offender of the duty to register under Penal Code Section 290. A pardon does not automatically restore any license, permit, or certificate that had been taken as the result of the conviction.

A Governor’s pardon is granted only to individuals who have demonstrated a high standard of constructive behavior following conviction for a felony, or in some cases, for certain specified misdemeanor sex offenses. Obtaining a pardon is a distinct achievement based upon proof of a useful, productive, and law-abiding life following conviction.

Pardon applications will not be considered unless an applicant has been discharged from probation or parole for at least ten years and has not engaged in further criminal activity during that period. While the receipt of a Certificate of Rehabilitation will be considered in evaluating a pardon application, it is but one factor and is not the sole determinant. The ten-year rule may be waived in truly exceptional circumstances, if the applicant can demonstrate an earlier, specific need for the pardon.

Once the threshold criteria has been met, the application will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant has met the standards set forth in California Penal Code section 4852.05, which states, "During the period of rehabilitation, the person shall live an honest and upright life, shall conduct himself or herself with sobriety and industry, shall exhibit a good moral character, and shall conform to and obey the laws of the land."

Certificate of Rehabilitation

Certificates of Rehabilitation are first sought from the trial court. If a certificate issues, the trial court recommends that the governor grant a pardon. The governor has discretion to grant or deny a pardon. The pardon may be granted without further investigation, except that a person twice convicted of felonies must also have the recommendation of a majority of the supreme court.

In order to obtain a Certificate of Rehabilitation, the applicant must be a California resident for at least three years before the filing of the petition. There is a period of rehabilitation that is required before filing, during which the person must lead an honest life, and be free from convictions. The amount of time varies, depending upon the underlying criminal conviction.

Dismissal of the underlying charges pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4 is not required before seeking a Certificate of Rehabilitation, so long as the person served a prison sentence. If probation was imposed instead of a prison sentence, dismissal must first be obtained, and the defendant must be free from felony probation.

A Certificate of Rehabilitation is a court order, which declares that a person who has been convicted of a felony is rehabilitated. If a petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation is granted, it is forwarded to the Governor by the granting court and constitutes an application for a pardon.

The laws pertaining to the Certificate of Rehabilitation can be found in California Penal Code sections 4852.01 to 4852.21.

Generally, a person who has been convicted in California of a felony, or a misdemeanor sex offense specified in California Penal Code section 290, the accusatory pleading of which has been dismissed pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4, may apply to the superior court in his or her county of residence for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, provided that he or she meets behavioral requirements and the applicable period of rehabilitation. (California Penal Code section 4852.06.)

An exception to this rule involves individuals convicted of the following Penal Code sections: 286(c), 288, 288a(c), 288.5, and 289(j). Effective January 1, 1998, AB 729 amended Penal Code sections 1203.4 and 4852.01 to prohibit these specified sex offenders from obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Such individuals are no longer eligible to receive a Certificate of Rehabilitation.

The granting of a Certificate of Rehabilitation relieves some offenders from the sexual offender registration requirement of Penal Code section 290. (See California Penal Code section 290.5 for a list of persons not eligible for relief from registration.) To determine your 290 registration status, contact an attorney that knows the law in this specialized area.

Certificate of Rehabilitation & Pardon

Felony convictions where a term in state prison is imposed require professional attention by a lawyer skilled in expungements. There are two ways that someone sentenced to state prison can obtain relief:(1) the Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon, and(2) the Direct Application for Pardon.

Who may apply?

Persons who are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation include those who:

• Were convicted of a felony and served the sentence in a California state prison; and
• Were discharged on completion of the term or released on parole prior to May 13, 1943; and
• Have not been incarcerated in a state penal institution since release; and
• Present satisfactory evidence of three years residence in California immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

or

• Were convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor sex offense specified in Penal Code section 290, the accusatory pleading of which was dismissed pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4; and
• Have been discharged or released from custody on probation; and
• Have not been incarcerated in any penal institution, jail or agency since the dismissal of the accusatory pleading; and
• Are not on probation for the commission of any other felony; and
• Present satisfactory evidence of five years residence in California immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

or

• Were convicted of a felony on or after May 13, 1943; and
• Were sentenced to state prison or other institution or agency; and
• Were discharged from custody or released on parole; and
• Present satisfactory evidence of five years residence in California immediately prior to the filing of the petition.

Persons who are INELIGIBLE to apply for a Certificate of Rehabilitation include:

• Those who do not meet the above requirements; or
• Those who were convicted only of misdemeanors (except those convicted of a misdemeanor sex offense specified in Penal Code section 290, which was dismissed pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4); or
• Those who were convicted of Penal Code sections 286(c), 288, 288a(c), 288.5, or 289(j); or
• Those who are serving a mandatory life parole; or
• Those committed to prison under a death sentence; or
• Those persons in the military service.

When to apply?

Persons eligible to petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation may file the petition once the period of rehabilitation has passed. The period of rehabilitation begins to run upon the discharge of the petitioner from incarceration due to the completion of the term, or upon release on probation or parole.

The period of rehabilitation constitutes five years residence in California, PLUS:

• Four years in the case of persons convicted of violation of California Penal Code sections 187, 209, 219, 4500, or 12310, or Military and Veterans Code section 1672(a), or of committing any other offense which carries a life sentence; or
• Five years in the case of any person convicted of any offense or attempted offense for which sex offender registration is required pursuant to P.C. 290, except for convictions for violations of subdivision (b), (c), or (d) of Section 311.2, or of Section 311.3, 311.10, or 314. For those convictions, two years shall be added to the five years imposed by this section.
• Two years in the case of any persons convicted of any offense not listed above and which does not carry a life sentence; or
• The number of additional years ordered by the trial court hearing the application for the Certificate of Rehabilitation in the case of a person serving consecutive sentences.

Rescission of Certificate of Rehabilitation

A district attorney in either the county of conviction or the county of residence may petition the superior court to rescind a certificate, if it was granted for any offense specified in California Penal Code section 290.

Procedures for Applying

The petition must be filed in the superior court of the petitioner’s current county of residence. (California Penal Code section 4852.06.) The petitioner is required to provide notice of their filing to the district attorney in their county of residence, as well as to the district attorney of each county in which the petitioner was convicted of a felony, and to the Governor’s office.

All felony convictions, or misdemeanor sex offenses specified in Penal Code section 290, for which the accusatory pleading was dismissed pursuant to California Penal Code section 1203.4, should be included. This notice must indicate the date and time of the hearing and must be sent to the district attorneys at least 30 days before the hearing.

Each person who is eligible to initiate the Certificate of Rehabilitation proceedings is entitled to receive assistance in processing the petition from all rehabilitative agencies, including adult probation officers of the county, and state parole agents; and, in the case of persons under the age of 30, assistance can be obtained from the Youth Authority. During the court proceedings, the petitioner may be represented by counsel of his or her own choosing.

Once a petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing to consider the petition. Prior to the hearing, the court may require an investigation by the district attorney of the county of residence of any and all matters pertaining to the petitioner.

At the hearing, the court may require testimony and the production of records and reports pertaining to the petitioner, including information about the conviction offense, and his or her conduct both while incarcerated and since release on probation or parole.

If, after the hearing, the court finds that the petitioner has demonstrated rehabilitation and fitness to exercise all political and civil rights, the court may make an order declaring that the petitioner is rehabilitated. A certified copy of the Certificate of Rehabilitation is then transmitted to the Governor and becomes an application for a pardon.

Upon receipt of the application, the Governor may request that the Board of Prison Terms conduct a further investigation. Following a review, the Governor may then grant the pardon. If the petitioner has been convicted of more than one felony in separate proceedings, the California Supreme Court must also approve the grant of a pardon.

Direct Pardon Application

Direct pardons refer to requests for pardon made directly to the Governor. The governor has total and complete discretion to grant or deny a pardon. The pardon may be granted without further investigation, except that a person twice convicted of felonies must also have the recommendation of a majority of the supreme court to obtain a pardon.

A direct pardon is usually sought by persons who are not eligible for a certificate of rehabilitation, such as nonresidents and misdemeanants.

Any person who has been convicted in California of a felony, or a misdemeanor sex offense specified in Penal Code section 290, the accusatory pleading of which has been dismissed pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4, may apply to the Governor for a pardon. Applications for pardons may be made in one of two ways: either by way of an application for a Certificate of Rehabilitation, or through a direct traditional pardon application. The procedure utilized will depend on the circumstances of the applicant, and it is important to consult with a lawyer to determine which is appropriate in any given case.

Once an application for a pardon is filed under either procedure, the Governor reviews the case. The Governor has complete discretion in deciding whether to grant a pardon, and a pardon is not granted to every person who applies.

Pardon investigations are conducted for the Governor by the California Board of Prison Terms, Investigations Division.

The traditional pardon procedure is available to those persons who are ineligible to petition for a Certificate of Rehabilitation. This procedure is used primarily, although not exclusively, by California ex-felons who reside out-of-state and are therefore unable to satisfy the residency requirement. The traditional pardon procedure is also available to those individuals who have convictions for Penal Code sections 286(c), 288, 288a(c), 288.5, and 289(j). The traditional pardon procedure is covered by California Penal Code sections 4800-4813.

Applicants for a traditional pardon must write directly to the Governor’s Office. It is highly recommended that a pardon applicant have the services of an experienced lawyer to ensure that all of the procedural requirements are met, and to increase the chances of success. At a minimum, the letter should include the following:

• Why a pardon is desired or needed;
• Date and circumstances of all felony offenses of which the applicant was convicted;
• Dates the applicant was received in prison and released from custody or placed on probation;
• Name of the applicant, including any aliases; date of conviction; county and case number of conviction, if known; prison number; name of parole agent; current address and telephone number; and
• A brief, general statement of employment and activities since conviction or release from custody.

Upon receipt of the letter, the Governor’s Legal Affairs staff will review the information. After the review, the Legal Affairs Office may send the Application for Executive Clemency and Notice of Intention to Apply for Executive Clemency forms to the applicant.

The applicant should complete the Application for Executive Clemency form and have it notarized. In addition, the Notice of Intention to Apply for Executive Clemency should be served on the District Attorney of each county in which the applicant was convicted of a felony, at least ten days prior to the application.

The Acknowledgment of Receipt portion of the notice form must be completed and signed by the District Attorney. Both the application and the completed notice must then be submitted to the Governor’s Office, along with a full statement of any compensation paid to any person for assisting in the procurement of a pardon.

Once the formal application is returned, the Governor refers it to the Board of Prison Terms for investigation. After the investigation, the case is presented to the Executive Board for a decision as to whether to recommend to the Governor that a pardon be granted. The applicant is notified of when the Board will be considering his or her case, and he or she is given the opportunity to forward any additional information, if desired. Pardon applicants do not attend the pardon consideration meeting. Following the meeting, the application, investigation report, and the Board’s recommendation are sent to the Governor. Notification of the meeting result is also sent to the applicant.

The Governor then reviews all of the information and decides whether to grant a pardon. If the applicant has been convicted of more than one felony in separate proceedings, the California Supreme Court must also approve the grant of a pardon.

There is no requirement that the Governor issue a pardon to an applicant, and the length of time needed for the completion of the pardon process cannot be predicted.

Effect of a Pardon

When a Certificate of Rehabilitation or pardon is granted, the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are notified. These agencies’ records are then updated to show that a Certificate of Rehabilitation or a pardon has been granted in regard to the conviction.

A pardon is also filed with the Secretary of State, reported to the Legislature, and becomes a matter of public record. Although no effort is made to publicize the pardon application or issuance, there is no guarantee that the issuance of a pardon to a particular person will not become known to the public.

Restoration of Rights

The granting of a pardon entitles the applicant to exercise additional civil and political rights of citizenship. The most frequent reasons people apply for a pardon are for personal satisfaction, for licensing or bonding purposes, and to restore firearms privileges. Another frequent reason is to enhance employment opportunities, even when no legal disability exists.

A pardon does not seal or expunge the record of the conviction. (California Penal Code section 4852.17.) Prior convictions may be considered after the granting of a pardon, if the person is subsequently convicted of a new offense.

A person who has been pardoned cannot state that he or she has no record of arrests or convictions. The person can state that he or she has been convicted and has been pardoned.

An ex-felon becomes eligible to vote after being terminated from probation or discharged from parole. (California Constitution, article 11, section 4.) A pardon is not necessary to be eligible to vote.

A person who receives a pardon may serve on a trial jury.(California Code of Civil Procedure section 203(a)(5) and California Penal Code section 4852.17.)

An ex-felon who receives a full and unconditional pardon can be considered for an appointment to a peace officer position as a county probation officer or state parole agent, but cannot hold other peace officer positions. (California Government Code section 1029.)

A person convicted of a felony cannot own, possess, or have access to any type of firearm, including a rifle or shotgun. (California Penal Code section 12021.) However, if a full and unconditional pardon is granted by the Governor, the person pardoned may own and possess any type of weapon that may lawfully be possessed and owned by other citizens in California. The Governor cannot restore firearms rights to a person who has been convicted of any offense which involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

Pardons for out-of-state residents must specifically state that rights pertaining to firearms are restored. A California pardon does not necessarily permit the possession of weapons under the laws of another state or the federal government. The law pertaining to the restoration of rights to own and possess firearms can be found in California Penal Code section 4854.

If you have not obtained a pardon restoring your firearms rights, and you have access to a firearm of any type, you are in violation of the law. For example, having a firearm registered to a spouse, but readily available to you in your place of residence, is a violation.

The granting of a pardon does not prevent some licensing agencies from considering the conviction that has been pardoned in its determination of whether a license to practice certain professions should be granted or restored. The law pertaining to the effect of a full pardon on licensing boards can be found in California Penal Code section 4853.

A California pardon does not apply to convictions suffered in another jurisdiction. A person convicted in another state or in a federal court must apply for a pardon to the other state or the federal government. It is best to consult with a lawyer familiar with pardons in such a case.

For more information about expungement, please feel free to contact attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm.

California Vehicle Code VC 23542 – Conditions of Probation: Second Offense Within Ten Years

23542. (a) (1) If the court grants probation to a person punished under Section 23540, in addition to the provisions of Section 23600 and any other terms and conditions imposed by the court, the court shall impose as conditions of probation that the person be confined in county jail and fined under either of the following:

1. (A) For at least 10 days, but not more than one year, and pay a fine of at least three hundred ninety dollars ($390), but not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
2. (B) For at least 96 hours, but not more than one year, and pay a fine of at least three hundred ninety dollars ($390), but not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). A sentence of 96 hours of confinement shall be served in two increments consisting of a continuous 48 hours each. The two 48-hour increments may be served nonconsecutively.

(2) The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the department under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352. The court shall require the person to surrender the driver’s license to the court in accordance with Section 13550.

(b) In addition to the conditions specified in subdivision (a), the court shall require the person to do either of the following:

1. Enroll and participate, for at least 18 months subsequent to the date of the underlying violation and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as designated by the court. The person shall complete the entire program subsequent to, and shall not be given any credit for any program activities completed prior to, the date of the current violation. The program shall provide for persons who cannot afford the program fee pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 11837.4 of the Health and Safety Code in order to enable those persons to participate.
2. Enroll and participate, for at least 30 months subsequent to the date of the underlying violation and in a manner satisfactory to the court, in a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code. The person shall complete the entire program subsequent to, and shall not be given any credit for any program activities completed prior to, the date of the current violation.

(c) The court shall advise the person at the time of sentencing that the driving privilege shall not be restored until proof satisfactory to the Department of Motor Vehicles of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program of the length required under this code licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code has been received in the department’s headquarters.

(d) Whenever, when considering the circumstances taken as a whole, the court determines that the person punished under this section would present a traffic safety or public safety risk if authorized to operate a motor vehicle during the period of suspension imposed under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352, the court may disallow the issuance of a restricted driver’s license required under Section 13352.5.

(e) This section shall become operative on September 20, 2005.

Added Sec. 18.5, Ch. 551, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative September 20, 2005.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California Vehicle Code VC 23220 – Drinking While Driving

23220. (a) No person shall drink any alcoholic beverage while driving a motor vehicle upon any highway or on any lands described in subdivision (b).

(b) As used in subdivision (a), "lands" means those lands to which the Chappie-Z’berg Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Law of 1971 (Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000)) applies as to off-highway motor vehicles, as described in Section 38001.

Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 384, Stats. 1998. Effective August 24, 1998

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California Vehicle Code VC 23117 – Carrying Animal in Motor Truck

23117. (a) No person driving a motor vehicle shall transport any animal in the back of the vehicle in a space intended for any load on the vehicle on a highway unless the space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of at least 46 inches extending vertically from the floor, the vehicle has installed means of preventing the animal from being discharged, or the animal is cross tethered to the vehicle, or is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the animal from being thrown, falling, or jumping from the vehicle.

(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:

1. The transportation of livestock.
2. The transportation of a dog whose owner either owns or is employed by a ranching or farming operation who is traveling on a road in a rural area or who is traveling to and from a livestock auction.
3. The transportation of a dog for purposes associated with ranching or farming.

Added Ch. 224, Stats. 1987. Effective January 1, 1988.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California Vehicle Code VC 21210 – Bicycle Parking

21210. No person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided that appropriate signs are erected.

Added Ch. 751, Stats. 1976. Effective January 1, 1977.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California DUI Laws and Penalties Under 21

There are special laws in California for persons under 21 who are arrested for DUI. Just like with people over 21, there are two separate prosecutions: the DMV (who is trying to take away the persons driver’s license) and the criminal court (who is trying to impose other types of punishment, like jail, fines, mandatory classes relating to the dangers of alcohol consumption, and so on.) However, the punishment is more severe for persons under 21, especially with the DMV under California’s “Zero Tolerance” laws.

The effect of these “Zero Tolerance” laws is to make things tougher on those under 21 who are caught driving with any hint of impairment due to alcohol. The under-21 driver can have their driver’s license taken away by the DMV if their Blood Alcohol Level is .01 or greater, they can be charged with a violation of Vehicle Code Section 23140 (under-21 DUI) if their BAC is .05 or greater, and they can be charged under the same DUI laws as adults, all at the same time. It is important to have professional help, to ensure that youthful mistakes don’t have lifelong consequences.

If you or someone you care about is under 21, and charged with a DUI or related offense, please contact a Southern California DUI lawyer in your area. Many DUI cases can be successfully defended. Before you even think about pleading guilty, please talk to someone who knows this particular area of the law.

› Under 21 DMV Information
› Under 21 Criminal Court Information

In Custody

Finding someone in custody
http://www.slosheriff.org/custody.php

General information on San Luis Obispo County jail
http://www.slosheriff.org/faq.php?id=1

Release from Custody

Courthouses:

General information
http://slocourts.net/

Criminal Court Information

SLO Superior Court
1050 Monterey Street Room 220
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93408 USA

DMV Driver’s Safety Office

DMV Driver’s Safety office in Oxnard receives the case and it is sent to a satellite office in San Luis Obispo

Address: 3190 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Hours: Open today · 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Boating, flying and bicycling under the influence are separate offenses under California law. Each offense carries significant consequences, but can be successfully challenged by a California defense attorney who is well-versed in defending DUI / DWI charges involving motorcycles, vessels, aircraft and bicycles. Challenging DUI cases involving motorcycles, vessels, aircraft and bicycles can be done in much the same way as cases for driving cars under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated can be challenged.

The California Vehicle Code defines a vehicle as “a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.” This definition encompasses automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and bulldozers.

Motorcycling under the influence, for most purposes, is the same thing as a DUI / DWI case for drunk driving in a car. The case will be prosecuted pursuant to the same statutes. There will be a criminal case, and an administrative hearing at the DMV. A California defense attorney for DUI / DWI’s can handle both situations. If the motorcyclist fails to request a DMV hearing within 10 days (including weekends and holidays), the Department of Motor Vehicles will begin the process of suspending the license.

The standard of proof at the DMV hearing is the preponderance of the evidence. To find the defendant guilty, a judge must find that the arrest was lawful and that the motorcyclist had a BAC of .08 percent or higher.

Court punishments for the motorcyclist convicted of driving under the influence are the same as the punishments for those who are convicted of driving cars under the influence of alcohol. Those punishments include jail time, fines, alcohol education classes, the ignition interlock device, and probation.

Boating under the influence, or BUI / BWI, is governed by California’s Harbors and Navigation Code. Under the code, a person is considered too impaired to operate a recreational vessel with a BAC of .08 percent or greater. The standard is .04 percent for operating a commercial vessel. Individuals using aquaplanes and water skis and similar crafts are not allowed to have ingested any alcohol at all. A zero-tolerance policy is in effect for all such crafts.

A person convicted for boating under the influence can face penalties including jail time and fines. A California defense lawyer can effectively limit the consequences of a BUI / BWI conviction.

Flying an aircraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs (FUI / FWI) is a serious crime. This applies to both commercial and private airplanes. Flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be charged as a federal and/or state crime. Pilots who fly under the influence can be charged under federal and/or state law.

Crew members of civil aircraft are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA rules stipulate that no-one may serve as a crew member if he or she has consumed alcohol within eight hours of a flight. Furthermore, anyone with a BAC of .04% or greater, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not serve as a crew member. These over-inclusive rules indicate the seriousness with which the FAA looks upon flying under the influence. A person found violating these strict rules faces imprisonment, fines, and revocation of his or her pilot’s license.

Pilots of civil aircraft are subject to the implied Consent Law. This means that any pilot who has been arrested on suspicion of flying under the influence of alcohol or drugs must submit to a chemical test or face large fines and license suspension or revocation.

Pilots also face possible licensing issues for DUI / DWI convictions. All convictions for drunk driving must be reported on a pilot’s first-class medical application as well as to the Civil Action Security Division that is located in Oklahoma City. The relevant agencies will look harshly upon such DUI / DWI convictions.

A conviction for cycling under the influence (CUI) can result in a fine of $250. There is no jail time or license suspension. Technically, a bicycle is not a vehicle, and the dangers of cycling drunk are considerably less than driving a vehicle while intoxicated. Therefore, the Vehicle Code does not cover cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, the Vehicle Code does state that it is unlawful to ride a bicycle on the highway while under the influence. One common challenge to a CUI is that the bicycle-rider was on a private road or driveway instead of a “highway.”

Charges of riding a motorcycle, boating, flying or riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs can carry harsh consequences. However, a skilled California defense attorney with experience defending BUI, motorcycling under the influence, FUI / FWI, and CUI cases can successfully challenge these offenses in court and can achieve results that limit the penalties and consequences associated with the charges.

California Vehicle Code VC 13353.1 – Refusal to Take Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test

13353.1. (a) If a person refuses an officer’s request to submit to, or fails to complete, a preliminary alcohol screening test pursuant to Section 13388, upon the receipt of the officer’s sworn statement, submitted pursuant to Section 13380, that the officer had reasonable cause to believe the person had been driving a motor vehicle in violation of Section 23136, and that the person had refused to submit to, or did not complete, the test after being requested by the officer, the department shall do one of the following:

1. Suspend the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of one year.
2. Revoke the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of two years if the refusal occurred within 10 years of either of the following:
   1. A separate violation of subdivision (a) of Section 23136, that resulted in a finding of a violation, or a separate violation, that resulted in a conviction, of Section 23103, as specified in Section 23103.5, of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153, of Section 191.5 of the Penal Code, or of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of that code.
   2. A suspension or revocation of the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle if that action was taken pursuant to this section or Section 13353 or 13353.2 for an offense that occurred on a separate occasion.
3. Revoke the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of three years if the refusal occurred within 10 years of any of the following:
   1. Two or more separate violations of subdivision (a) of Section 23136, that resulted in findings of violations, or two or more separate violations, that resulted in convictions, of Section 23103, as specified in Section 23103.5, of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153, of Section 191.5 of the Penal Code, or of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of that code, or any combination thereof.
   2. Two or more suspensions or revocations of the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle if those actions were taken pursuant to this section, or Section 13353 or 13353.2, for offenses that occurred on separate occasions.
   3. Any combination of two or more of the convictions or administrative suspensions or revocations described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(b) For the purposes of this section, a conviction of any offense in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or Canada that, if committed in this state, would be a violation of Section 23103, as specified in Section 23103.5, or Section 23140, 23152, or 23153, or Section 191.5 or paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 192 of the Penal Code, is a conviction of that particular section of the Vehicle or Penal Code.

(c) The notice of the order of suspension or revocation under this section shall be served on the person by the peace officer pursuant to Section 13388 and shall not become effective until 30 days after the person is served with that notice. The notice of the order of suspension or revocation shall be on a form provided by the department. If the notice of the order of suspension or revocation has not been served by the peace officer pursuant to Section 13388, the department immediately shall notify the person in writing of the action taken. The peace officer who serves the notice, or the department, if applicable, also shall provide, if the officer or department, as the case may be, determines that it is necessary to do so, the person with the appropriate non-English notice developed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 14100.

(d) Upon the receipt of the officer’s sworn statement, the department shall review the record. For the purposes of this section, the scope of the administrative review shall cover all of the following issues:

1. Whether the peace officer had reasonable cause to believe the person had been driving a motor vehicle in violation of Section23136.
2. Whether the person was lawfully detained.
3. Whether the person refused to submit to, or did not complete, the test after being requested to do so by a peace officer.

(e) The person may request an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 13558. Except as provided in subdivision (e) of Section 13558, the request for an administrative hearing does not stay the order of suspension or revocation.

Amended Sec. 3.10, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 19, Ch. 473, Stats. 2001. Effective January 1, 2002.
Amended Sec. 7, Ch. 550, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.

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